Lupus Diet Tips: Know Which Foods to Eat or Avoid

Eating for Lupus

Eating for Lupus

Despite what you might have read on the Internet, there is
no one established diet for lupus. Just as with any medical condition, you
should aim to eat a healthy blend of foods—fresh fruits and vegetables, whole
grains, lean protein, and fish.

However, certain foods may be better than others for
managing your symptoms. Click through the slideshow to find out what to include
in your diet and what to ditch.

Switch from Red Meat to Fatty Fish

Switch from Red Meat to Fatty Fish

Red meat is full of saturated fat, which can contribute to
heart disease. On the other hand, fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines, are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are polyunsaturated
fatty acids that help protect against heart disease, according to the Harvard School of
Public Health. They can also reduce inflammation in the body.

That’s good news for people with lupus, who face a much
higher risk for heart disease than the general population.

Get More Calcium-Rich Foods

Get More Calcium-Rich Foods

The steroid drugs you may take to control lupus can have the
unpleasant side effect of thinning your bones, making you more vulnerable to
fractures. To combat this effect, eat foods that are high in calcium and
vitamin D—nutrients that strengthen bones.

That includes low-fat
milk, cheese, yogurt, and dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli. Ask
your doctor about taking a supplement if you’re not getting enough calcium and
vitamin D from food alone.

Limit Saturated and Trans Fats

Limit Saturated and Trans Fats

Everyone’s goal should be to eat a diet that’s low in
saturated and trans fats. However, this is especially true for people with
lupus. Steroids can increase your appetite and cause you to gain weight, so
it’s important to watch what you eat.

Try to focus on foods that will fill you up without filling
you out, such as raw vegetables, air-popped popcorn, and fruit.

Avoid Alfalfa

Avoid Alfalfa

Alfalfa is one food that probably shouldn’t be on your
dinner plate if you have lupus. These sprouts contain an amino acid called
L-canavanine, which can send your immune system into overdrive and flare up
your lupus symptoms, according to the Lupus
Foundation of America.

People who’ve eaten alfalfa have reacted with muscle pain and
fatigue, and their doctors have noted changes on their blood test results.

Skip Nightshade Vegetables

Skip Nightshade Vegetables

Although there isn’t any scientific evidence to prove it,
some people with lupus find that they’re sensitive to the nightshade vegetables.
This includes white potatoes, tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, and eggplant.

Keep a food diary to record what you eat. Eliminate the
vegetables that cause your symptoms to flare up every time you eat them.

Watch the Alcohol

Watch the Alcohol

The occasional glass of red wine or beer isn’t restricted.
However, alcohol can interact with some of the medicines you take to control
your condition. Drinking while taking NSAID drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin) or
naproxen (Naprosyn), for example, could increase your risk of stomach bleeding
or ulcers. Alcohol can also reduce the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin) and
methotrexate.

Skip the Salt

Skip the Salt

Set aside the saltshaker and start ordering your restaurant
meals without the sodium. According to The
Johns Hopkins Lupus Center, eating too much salt can raise your blood
pressure and increase your risk for heart disease. Lupus already puts you at
higher risk for developing heart disease.

Substitute other spices such as lemon, garlic, pepper, and curry powder to enhance food flavor.

Herbs and Supplements

Herbs and Supplements

A number of herbs—ranging from Thunder God vine to
turmeric—have been touted on the web for relieving lupus symptoms. However,
there is very little evidence that any of them work.

These products can interact with drugs you’re taking for
lupus and cause side effects. Don’t take any herbal remedy or supplement
without first talking to your doctor.

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